New Mexico Winter Landscape

New Mexico Christmas Tree Permits

Bureau of Land Management offices will begin personal Christmas tree permit sales for harvest of piñon and juniper. Permits will be available beginning Nov. 20 for the Farmington and Taos Field Offices and New Mexico State Office, Nov. 29 for the Socorro Field Office and Dec. 2 for the Rio Puerco Field Office. The permits must be purchased before Dec. 24. The cost per tree is $5. Permits and maps may be obtained over the counter at your local BLM Office or online for some locations at forestproducts.blm.gov.

If purchasing online, you must have access to a printer for printing the permit and map. When transporting a tree taken from BLM public land, the haul tag provided with the permit must be attached to the tree. The BLM has developed georeferenced maps compatible with any georeferenced map mobile application. If you have a smart phone and would like to download a map before heading out to harvest a tree, please visit the Georeferenced PDF Map page for instructions on how to download the application.

Before you visit your local BLM office to obtain a permit, please call that office to confirm services and availability of staff. Below are the locations where the permits may be available:

For more information about Christmas tree permits, please contact your local BLM office or the BLM New Mexico State Office at 505-954-2000.

Christmas Tree Cutting Tips

  • Stay on designated roads and respect private land. Some tree cutting areas may be inaccessible after snowfall – early season cutting is advisable.
  • Be prepared! Tree-cutters traveling through New Mexico’s public lands should be prepared for poor road conditions or inclement weather. Make sure you have everything you need for an outdoor venture including warm clothes, food, water, and safety equipment.
  • Let someone know where you’ll be going and when you plan to return. If you get stranded, call for help, and stay with your group and vehicle until help arrives.
  • Please dispose of trees properly. Consider composting or using as firewood, if those are options available to you.
  • Keep in mind that hunting seasons are usually open during these times, so wearing brighter colors may be advisable.